To sample the scope of the many ways to create and enjoy pesto, here’s a collection of recipes from our archives.
Classic Basil Pesto, above. This recipe from Italian cookbook legend Marcella Hazan is the type of pesto you’ll find in Genoa, Italy. It comes together in a flash in the food processor.
Carrot Top Pesto. Don’t toss the greens from the top of your carrots. Instead, use them to make this pesto, which also includes some basil in the mix. Tip: Remove the greens from your carrots as soon as you bring them home, and store separately as you would herbs (usually I wrap in a barely damp towel and place in a bag in the produce bin). Leaving the greens attached can cause the carrots to go limp.
Basil-Cashew Pesto. Not everyone is a fan of pine nuts, especially the metallic taste some people experience after eating them. Enter cashews. They lend a rich creaminess to the pesto that’s tempered by a bit of lemon juice.
Kale Pesto. This recipe is great all year round if you’re trying to eat more nutritious greens, but it’s particularly appreciated in cooler months when fresh, local herbs are on hiatus.
Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta. Instead of nuts and herbs, this pesto uses sunflower seeds and arugula. The recipe calls for cold-pressed sunflower oil, though you can swap in another oil of your choice.
Mustard Greens + Pecan Pesto. If you like a boldly flavored pesto, go with punchy mustard greens.
